NDSU student named Truman Scholar

William Fleck, a senior majoring in computer science, has been selected as a 2019 Truman Scholar. The award is considered one of the most prestigious scholarships in the United States.

He is among 62 Truman Scholars selected for 2019. The new scholars are scheduled to receive their awards during a ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum on Sunday, May 26, in Independence, Missouri.

“I was thrilled for William and for our university when I learned he was named a Truman Scholar, and I was delighted to share the news with him,” said NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani. “Everyone at NDSU is extremely proud of him. Having his name posted among many of the nation’s brightest and most accomplished students is a collective honor for all of us.”

Recipients of the Truman Scholarship receive a $30,000 scholarship toward graduate school and the opportunity to participate in professional development programming to help prepare them for careers in public service leadership.

“I’m incredibly honored and proud to be a recipient of the 2019 Truman Scholarship. I could not have done it without the support of my university, friends and parents,’ said Fleck, who is the son of Bill and Amy Fleck. “I’m looking forward to getting to know other scholars from around the country and entering a career in public service.”

Fleck joins other NDSU students who have received the Truman Scholarship in recent years. Jared Melville was a 2018 Truman Scholar, and Robbie Lauf earned the scholarship in 2014.

Fleck, who is from Mandan, North Dakota, is chief of staff for the North Dakota Student Association and a senator in NDSU Student Government. He also is chair of the association’s LGBTQ+ Task Force and Core Technology Services Advisory Force. On campus, he is the former president of the NDSU College Democrats and is active in Alpha Phi Omega, the Pride Alliance and Women’s Activist Organization.

In addition, Fleck is involved with the Darcy Jeda Corbitt Foundation, Fargo Downtown Community Partnership and the North Dakota University System Diversity Council.

He plans to pursue a medical degree. In the future, Fleck would like to work at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Services, focusing on the issue of historical trauma.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was created by Congress in 1975, with a mission to select and support the next generation of public service leaders.

Candidates for the scholarship go through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. This year, there were 840 students nominated by 346 colleges and universities, a record number of both applications and institutions. The 199 finalists for the award were interviewed in March and early April at one of 16 regional selection panels.

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